<section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-101" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Candidate” has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of the Election Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Credit” means payment by a credit card or promissory note.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Credit” includes selling or pledging personal property in exchange for cash or tokens.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Gaming device” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a gaming table, except a billiard table, at which a game of chance is played for money or any other thing or consideration of value; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a game or device at which money or any other thing or consideration of value is bet, wagered, or gambled.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Gaming device” includes a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, chance book, and bingo.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Gaming event” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a bingo game;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a carnival;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a bazaar;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a raffle;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a benefit performance; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>any other event at which a gaming device is operated.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Organization” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a fraternal, religious, civic, patriotic, educational, or charitable organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a volunteer fire company, rescue squad, or auxiliary unit;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a veterans’ organization or club;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a bona fide nonprofit organization that is raising money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose; or</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any organization that is authorized to conduct a gaming event under Subtitle 1 or 2 of this title or Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Political committee” has the meaning stated in § 1-101 of the Election Law Article.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Token” means a poker chip, bingo chip, or other device commonly used instead of money in the playing of a gaming device.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-102" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>make or sell a book or pool on the result of a race, contest, or contingency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>establish, keep, rent, use, or occupy, or knowingly allow to be established, kept, rented, used, or occupied, all or a part of a building, vessel, or place, on land or water, within the State, for the purpose of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>betting, wagering, or gambling; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>making, selling, or buying books or pools on the result of a race, contest, or contingency; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>receive, become the depository of, record, register, or forward, or propose, agree, or pretend to forward, money or any other thing or consideration of value, to be bet, wagered, or gambled on the result of a race, contest, or contingency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The provisions of this subsection apply only in Baltimore City.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this section may be charged by a citation.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A citation for a violation of this section may be issued to a person by a police officer authorized to make arrests in Baltimore City if there is probable cause to believe that the person is committing or has committed a violation of this section.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A citation issued under this subsection shall contain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the name and address of the person charged;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the statute allegedly violated;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the location, date, and time that the violation occurred;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the fine or term of imprisonment that may be imposed;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a notice stating that prepayment of a fine is not allowed;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>a notice that the court shall promptly send the person charged a summons to appear for trial; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>the signature of the police officer issuing the citation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <level label="i"> <text>The police officer who issued the citation shall forward to the appropriate court a copy of the citation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The court shall promptly schedule the case for trial and summon the defendant to appear.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>Willful failure of the defendant to respond to the summons is contempt of court.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-103" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>For money or any other thing or consideration of value, a person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>bet, wager, or gamble; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>play any other gaming device or fraudulent trick.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A violation of this section is a civil offense punishable by a fine not exceeding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$500, if the violation involves money or any other thing or consideration of value not exceeding $100; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$1,000, if the violation involves money or any other thing or consideration of value that exceeds $100.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Adjudication of a violation under this section:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is not a criminal conviction for any purpose; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>does not impose any of the civil disabilities that may result from a criminal conviction.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>A citation for a violation of this section may be issued to a person by a police officer authorized to make arrests if there is probable cause to believe that the person is committing or has committed a violation of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A citation issued under this subsection shall contain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the name, address, and date of birth of the person charged;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the statute allegedly violated;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the date and time that the violation occurred;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the location at which the violation occurred;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the fine that may be imposed;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>a notice stating that prepayment of the fine is allowed;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>a notice in boldface type that states that the person shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>pay the full amount of the preset fine; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>request a trial date at the date, time, and place established by the District Court by writ or trial notice; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>the signature of the police officer issuing the citation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The form of the citation shall be uniform throughout the State and shall be prescribed by the District Court.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <level label="i"> <text>The Chief Judge of the District Court shall establish a schedule for the prepayment of a fine.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>Prepayment of a fine shall be considered a plea of guilty to a Code violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The issuing jurisdiction shall forward a copy of the citation and a request for trial to the District Court in the district having venue.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A person may request a trial by sending a request for trial to the District Court in the jurisdiction where the citation was issued within 30 days after the issuance of the citation.</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>If a person does not request a trial or prepay the fine within 30 days after the issuance of the citation, the District Court may impose the maximum fine and costs against the person and find the person guilty of a Code violation for the purposes of this section.</text> </level> <level label="8"> <level label="i"> <text>The defendant is liable for the costs of the proceedings in the District Court.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The court costs in a Code violation case under this section in which costs are imposed are $5.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>In any proceeding for a Code violation under this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the State has the burden to prove the guilt of the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the court shall apply the evidentiary standards as prescribed by law or rule for the trial of a criminal case;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the court shall ensure that the defendant has received a copy of the charges against the defendant and that the defendant understands those charges;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the defendant is entitled to cross–examine all witnesses who appear against the defendant, to produce evidence or witnesses on behalf of the defendant, and to testify on the defendant’s own behalf, if the defendant chooses to do so;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the defendant is entitled to be represented by counsel of the defendant’s choice and at the expense of the defendant; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, and the verdict of the court in the case shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>guilty of a Code violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>not guilty of a Code violation; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>probation before judgment, imposed by the court in the same manner and to the same extent as is allowed by law in the trial of a criminal case.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>The State’s Attorney for any county may prosecute a Code violation under this section in the same manner as prosecution of a violation of the criminal laws of the State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a Code violation case under this section, the State’s Attorney may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>enter a nolle prosequi or move to place the case on the stet docket; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>exercise authority in the same manner as prescribed by law for violation of the criminal laws of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A person issued a citation for a violation of this section who is under the age of 18 years shall be subject to the procedures and dispositions provided in Title 3, Subtitle 8A of the Courts Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-104" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>keep a gaming device, or all or a part of a building, vessel, or place, on land or water within the State for the purpose of gambling;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>own, rent, or occupy all or a part of a building, vessel, or place and knowingly allow a gaming device to be kept in the building, vessel, or place;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>lease or rent all or a part of a building, vessel, or place to be used for the purpose of gambling;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>deal at a gaming device or in a building, vessel, or place for gambling;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>manage a gaming device or a building, vessel, or place for gambling; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>have an interest in a gaming device or the profits of a gaming device.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-105" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>This section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>applies notwithstanding the issuance of a license or permit through or by a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>does not authorize an act that is otherwise prohibited by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not bet, wager, or gamble or keep, conduct, maintain, or operate a gaming device on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a vessel or a part of a vessel on water within the State, except as provided in § 6-209 of the Transportation Article; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>all or a part of a building or other structure that is built on or over water within the State, if the building or other structure cannot be entered from the shore of the State by a person on foot.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>To conduct, maintain, or operate a gaming device, a person may not establish, keep, rent, use, or occupy, or knowingly allow to be established, kept, rented, used, or occupied:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a vessel on water within the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a building or other structure that is built on or over water within the State, if the building or other structure cannot be entered from the shore of the State by a person on foot.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 or both for each violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-106" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article and except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a bona fide charitable organization in this State may conduct a raffle for the exclusive benefit of the charitable organization if the prize awarded is real property:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to which the charitable organization holds title; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for which the charitable organization has the ability to convey title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A charitable organization may not conduct more than two raffles of real property in a calendar year.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary of State may adopt regulations governing a raffle of real property by a charitable organization under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this article and except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a political committee or candidate for public office may conduct a raffle if the prizes awarded are money or merchandise.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The cost of a raffle ticket under this subsection may not exceed $5.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>An individual may not purchase more than $50 worth of tickets.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>This subsection does not relieve a political committee or candidate from the reporting and record keeping requirements under the Election Law Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a depository institution, as defined in § 1–211 of the Financial Institutions Article, may conduct a savings promotion raffle under § 1–211 of the Financial Institutions Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-107" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The prohibition in subsection (b) of this section applies notwithstanding a license or permit granted through or by a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of this State.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>pari-mutuel betting conducted under the Maryland Horse Racing Act;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>bingo, carnivals, raffles, bazaars, or similar games of entertainment; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>mechanical or electrical devices, commonly known as slot machines, that are authorized in the State and that require the insertion of a coin or token.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not conduct or operate with pari-mutuel betting, or with any similar form of betting, wagering, or gambling:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the game, contest, or event commonly known as “jai alai”; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any other game, contest, or event.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 for each violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-108" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>An organization that operates a gaming event authorized under this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article may not accept credit from a person to allow that person to play a gaming device at the gaming event.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a) of this section does not prohibit an organization from accepting a token instead of money from a person who has paid the organization money for the use of the token.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An organization that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or loss of privileges to conduct a gaming event not exceeding 60 days or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-109" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not willfully, knowingly, and unlawfully cause or attempt to cause the prearrangement or predetermination of the results of a horse race.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-110" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who loses money at a gaming device that is prohibited by this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article:</text> <level label="1"> <text>may recover the money as if it were a common debt; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is a competent witness to prove the loss.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a person may not recover money or any other thing that the person won by betting at a gaming device prohibited by this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title, or Title 13 of this article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-111" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <text>If a law enforcement officer has a reason to suspect a gaming device is kept unlawfully at a place, the law enforcement officer shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>visit the place; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>charge all persons who violate a law that prohibits gambling.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-112" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An indictment for violating the prohibition against gaming is sufficient if it states that the defendant kept a gaming device.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The indictment need not state the particular kind of gaming or gaming device involved in the alleged violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A defendant, on timely request, may obtain a bill of particulars.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-113" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The Office of the Attorney General, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission, the Department of State Police, local law enforcement units, and the court shall construe liberally this title relating to gambling and betting to prevent the activities prohibited.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A decision by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission shall be the final determination as to whether a gaming device being operated in the State is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a legal gaming device or device consistent with the provisions of this article; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>being operated in a lawful manner under this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a local law enforcement unit fails to promptly enforce a final determination made under subsection (b) of this section, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission shall refer the matter to the Department of State Police for enforcement of the law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-114" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “eSports competition” means a competition involving video games, including first–person shooters, real–time strategy games, and multiplayer online battle arenas in which:</text> <level label="1"> <text>players compete against each other; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the dominant element determining the results is the relative skill of the players.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An organization conducting an eSports competition may offer prize money or merchandise to winning participants in the eSports competition.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Comptroller may adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-201" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <text>In this subtitle, “lottery device” means a policy, certificate, or other thing by which a person promises or guarantees that a number, character, ticket, or certificate will, when an event or contingency occurs, entitle the purchaser or holder to receive money, property, or evidence of debt.</text> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-202" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle applies to all lotteries, including those authorized by any other state or foreign country.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This subtitle does not apply to the State lottery established under Title 9, Subtitle 1 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-203" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>hold a lottery in this State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>sell a lottery device in the State for a lottery drawn in this State or elsewhere.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than 3 months and not exceeding 12 months or a fine of not less than $200 and not exceeding $1,000 or both for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to the penalty provided under subsection (b) of this section, a person who gives money or any other thing to purchase or obtain a lottery device, for each lottery device purchased or obtained, may recover $50 from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person to whom the money or other thing was given; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any person who aided or abetted that person.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-204" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>keep a house, office, or other place for the purpose of selling or bartering a lottery device in violation of § 12-203 of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>allow a house or office that the person owns to be used for the purpose of selling or bartering a lottery device in violation of § 12-203 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who knows that the person’s house or office is being used for the purpose of selling or bartering a lottery device in violation of § 12-203 of this subtitle is deemed to be allowing the house or office to be used for those purposes.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-205" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a person who possesses:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an item that is prohibited under this section that was obtained to procure or furnish evidence of a violation of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a lottery ticket or slip issued by this State or another government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>bring a lottery device into the State; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>possess a book, list, slip, or record of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the numbers drawn in a lottery in this State or another state or country;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a lottery device; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>money received or to be received from the sale of a lottery device.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-206" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to a lottery conducted by a government.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not print, write, or publish an account of a lottery that describes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>when or where the lottery is to be drawn;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any prize available in the lottery;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the price of a lottery ticket or share of a lottery ticket; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>where a lottery ticket may be obtained.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-207" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>insure or receive consideration for insuring for or against the drawing of a lottery ticket or part of a lottery ticket;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>receive money, property, or evidence of debt in consideration of an agreement to repay or deliver the money, property, or evidence of debt, if a lottery ticket or a part of a lottery ticket is drawn or not drawn on a particular day or in a particular order;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>if contingent on the results of a lottery, and whether or not consideration is paid, promise or agree to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>pay or deliver money, property, or evidence of debt; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>refuse to do anything for the benefit of another; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>publish a notice of an intent to perform or notice of a proposal to perform items (1) through (3) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment of not less than 3 months and not exceeding 6 months or a fine of not less than $100 and not exceeding $1,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-208" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <text>A court shall interpret §§ 12-201 through 12-207 of this subtitle liberally to treat as a lottery ticket any ticket, part of a ticket, or lottery device by which money is paid or another item is delivered when, in the nature of a lottery, an event or contingency occurs.</text> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-209" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <text>A grant, bargain, or transfer of real estate, goods, a right of action, or personal property is void if it occurs while engaging in, or aiding or assisting in a lottery.</text> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-210" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>Any recovery of a penalty for a violation of any of the provisions of this subtitle relating to a lottery, whether by indictment or action of debt, or before a justice of the peace before July 5, 1971, or before any court of competent jurisdiction, is considered a first conviction under this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person convicted a second or subsequent time of a violation of any of the provisions of this subtitle relating to a lottery is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-211" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An indictment for violating the prohibition against the drawing of lotteries or the selling of lottery devices is sufficient if it states that the defendant drew a lottery or sold a lottery device.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The indictment need not state the particular kind of lottery scheme involved in the alleged violation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The defendant, on timely request, is entitled to a bill of particulars.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-212" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Lotteries"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not directly or indirectly barter, sell, or trade or offer by publication or in any other manner to barter, sell, or trade goods or merchandise, in a package or in bulk, in exchange for a scheme or device constituting a gift enterprise.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction shall be sentenced to a fine of not less than $50 for each violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-301" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <text>In this subtitle:</text> <level label="1"> <text>“slot machine” means a machine, apparatus, or device that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>operates or can be made to operate by inserting, depositing, or placing with another person money, a token, or another object; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>through the element of chance, the reading of a game of chance, the delivery of a game of chance, or any other outcome unpredictable by the user, awards the user:</text> <level label="1"> <text>money, a token, or other object that represents or that can be converted into money; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the right to receive money, a token, or another object that represents and can be converted into money;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“slot machine” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a machine, apparatus, or device described in item (1) of this section that also sells, delivers, or awards merchandise, money, or some other tangible thing of value;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a pinball machine or console machine that pays off in merchandise; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a machine, apparatus, or device described in item (1) of this section, regardless of whether the machine, apparatus, or device delivers a game through the Internet or offers Internet or other services; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“slot machine” does not include a machine, apparatus, or device that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>awards the user only free additional games or plays;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>awards the user only noncash merchandise or noncash prizes of minimal value;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>dispenses paper pull tab tip jar tickets or paper pull tab instant bingo tickets that must be opened manually by the user provided that the machine, apparatus, or device does not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>read the tickets electronically;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>alert the user to a winning or losing ticket; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>tabulate a player’s winnings and losses;</text> </level> </level> <level label="iv"> <level label="1"> <text>is a handheld device that displays only facsimiles of bingo cards that an individual uses to mark and monitor contemporaneously to a live call of bingo numbers called on the premises by an individual where the user is operating the machine;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>does not permit a user to play more than 100 bingo cards at the same time;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>does not randomly generate any numbers; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>is not part of an integrated system;</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>is used by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission under Title 9 of the State Government Article;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>if legislation takes effect authorizing the operation of video lottery terminals, is a video lottery terminal as defined in and licensed under that legislation;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>is a skills–based amusement device that awards prizes, merchandise, tickets, tokens, or other objects that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>per play, do not exceed minimal value approved by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission through regulation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>may be accumulated and exchanged for noncash merchandise or prizes of value that:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>is similar to the cumulated value of the objects exchanged; and</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>does not exceed a minimal wholesale value of $599; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>is a skills–based device that awards noncash merchandise and is located at a family entertainment center in Worcester County licensed under § 9–1B–02 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-301.1" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, “Commission” means the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection and consistent with the provisions of this title and Title 13 of this article, the Commission shall certify and regulate the operation, ownership, and manufacture of an electronic gaming device authorized under this title.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the ownership or operation of slot machines that are subject to regulation by the Comptroller under § 12–304 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>paper tip jar gaming where authorized.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>This paragraph applies only in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If a local law enforcement agency refuses to enforce a provision regarding the legal operation of amusement games, the Commission shall refer the matter to the appropriate office of the State’s Attorney.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>define lawful and unlawful electronic and mechanical equipment used in connection with gaming devices that are consistent with this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>approve and license electronic gaming devices authorized under State law;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>approve and license owners, operators, and manufacturers of electronic gaming devices authorized under State law;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>establish procedures for the license application and renewal processes required under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>establish license fees, effective on July 1, 2016, that are sufficient to cover the direct and indirect costs of licensure required under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may determine:</text> <level label="i"> <text>that a county’s licensing and regulatory process for electronic gaming devices is equivalent to the State licensing and regulatory process required under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>that a county license for owning, operating, or manufacturing an electronic gaming device in that county is equivalent to a State license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the Commission does not make a determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the regulations and licensing requirements of the Commission shall supersede:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the application of any county fees or regulations and licensing requirements for electronic gaming devices under this subsection; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a requirement for a county license for owning, operating, or manufacturing an electronic gaming device under this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to an electronic instant bingo machine authorized under § 12–308 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An electronic gaming device that is not licensed or otherwise operated in compliance with the provisions of this section as of January 1, 2013, is an illegal gaming device that may not legally operate in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>There is a Maryland Amusement Game Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Advisory Committee shall advise the Commission on the conduct and technical aspects of the amusement game industry, including recommendations for the legality of skills–based amusement games.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Advisory Committee consists of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the following members appointed by the Governor:</text> <level label="1"> <text>two members selected from a list of five names submitted by the Maryland Amusement and Music Operators Association;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>one member who is a local government official selected from a list of names submitted by the Maryland Association of Counties and the Maryland Municipal League;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>one member who is a local law enforcement officer; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>one citizen representative; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Director of the Commission, or the Director’s designee, who shall serve as a nonvoting member of the Advisory Committee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The Governor shall designate the chair of the Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Commission shall provide staff for the Advisory Committee.</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>A member of the Advisory Committee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may not receive compensation as a member of the Advisory Committee; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-302" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as allowed under §§ 12-304 through 12-306 of this subtitle, a person may not locate, possess, keep, or operate a slot machine in the State as an owner, lessor, lessee, licensor, licensee, or in any other capacity.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine of $1,000 or both for each violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-303" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “antique slot machine” means a slot machine that was manufactured at least 25 years before the date on which the machine is seized.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not be convicted under § 12-302 of this subtitle if the person shows by a preponderance of the evidence that the slot machine:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is an antique slot machine; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>was not operated for gambling purposes while in the person’s possession.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the defense is offered that a seized slot machine is an antique slot machine, the slot machine may not be destroyed or otherwise altered until after a final judicial determination, including review on appeal, that the defense does not apply.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If the defense applies, the person who seized the slot machine shall return the slot machine in accordance with applicable provisions of law for the return of property.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-304" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “eligible organization” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a nonprofit organization that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>has been located in a county listed in subsection (b) of this section for at least 5 years before the organization applies for a license under subsection (e) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is a bona fide:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fraternal organization;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>religious organization; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>war veterans’ organization; or</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a nonprofit organization that has been affiliated with a national fraternal organization for less than 5 years and has been located in a county listed in subsection (b) of this section for at least 50 years before the nonprofit organization applies for a license under subsection (e) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section applies in:</text> <level label="1"> <text>Caroline County;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Cecil County;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Dorchester County;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>Kent County;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>Queen Anne’s County;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>Somerset County;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>Talbot County;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>Wicomico County; and</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>Worcester County.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, a console or set of affixed slot machines is not an individual slot machine.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, an eligible organization may own and operate a slot machine if the eligible organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>obtains a license under subsection (e) of this section for each slot machine;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>owns each slot machine that the eligible organization operates;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>owns not more than five slot machines;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>locates and operates its slot machines at its principal meeting hall in the county in which the eligible organization is located;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>does not locate or operate its slot machines in a private commercial facility;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>uses:</text> <level label="1"> <text>at least one–half of the net after payout proceeds from its slot machines for the benefit of a charity; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the remainder of the proceeds from its slot machines to further the purposes of the eligible organization;</text> </level> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>does not use any of the proceeds of the slot machine for the financial benefit of an individual; and</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>reports annually under affidavit to the State Comptroller:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the income of each slot machine; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the disposition of the income from each slot machine.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An eligible organization may not use or operate a slot machine unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the slot machine is equipped with a tamperproof meter or counter that accurately records gross receipts; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the eligible organization keeps an accurate record of the gross receipts and payoffs of the slot machine.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Comptroller shall regulate the operation of slot machines under this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The State Comptroller may adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section, including requiring audits of the annual reports submitted to the State Comptroller under subsection (c)(2)(viii) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before an eligible organization may operate a slot machine under this section, the eligible organization shall obtain a license for the slot machine from the State Comptroller.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>The State Comptroller shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>charge an annual fee for each license for a machine; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>issue a license sticker to the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The applicant shall place the sticker on the slot machine.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The State Comptroller shall set the amount of the annual fee so that the total proceeds of the annual fee equal an amount directly related to administrative costs of the State Comptroller to regulate the operation of slot machines under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In the application to the State Comptroller for a license, one of the principal officers of the eligible organization shall certify under affidavit that the organization:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is an eligible organization; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>will comply with this section.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>A principal officer of the eligible organization may not intentionally misrepresent a statement of fact on the application.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates this subsection is guilty of perjury and on conviction is subject to the penalty provided under Title 9, Subtitle 1 of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>The Comptroller may not issue a license for a slot machine to an eligible organization located in Ocean City that is located east of South and North Baltimore Avenues.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-305" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may take delivery of, possess, or transport a slot machine to demonstrate or sell the slot machine to a prospective customer who is allowed to purchase a slot machine if the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>operates with or under a distributorship contract with a manufacturer of slot machines;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is registered with the United States Department of Justice as a distributor of slot machines; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>has provided the Secretary of State Police with a copy of the person’s current federal registration.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine of $1,000 or both for each violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-306" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “premises” means an improved or unimproved parcel or tract of land that is owned by:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a person; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>persons associated in a joint or common venture.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in a county or municipal corporation where, before July 1, 1963, county or municipal officials licensed slot machines for operation, a person may not, as an owner, lessor, lessee, licensor, licensee, or in any other capacity, keep or operate a slot machine for any purpose in any place of business or building or on any premises.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Before disposing of a slot machine, the county commissioners or county executive of a county where a slot machine is located may require the slot machine to be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>registered in a manner appropriate to the office of county executive or county commissioners; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>sealed against use, stored, and kept under the supervision and control of the county commissioners or county executive.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-307" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>Because of an act of God, or condemnation or abandonment of the primary business by the owner of a business operating on the premises, a person may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>remove a slot machine from any premises on which a slot machine is allowed to operate under law; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>transfer the slot machine to another premises within the same county.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who transfers a slot machine from one premises to another may not increase the total number of machines allowed by law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gcr" article_name="Criminal Law" number="12-308" title_number="12" title_name="Gaming -- Statewide Provisions" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Slot Machines"> <level label="a"> <text>Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subtitle, an entity licensed to offer instant bingo under a commercial bingo license on July 1, 2007, or by a qualified organization as defined in § 13–201 of this article on the premises of the qualified organization may continue to operate a game of instant bingo in the same manner using electronic machines, provided that:</text> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>the machines were in operation for a 1–year period ending December 31, 2007; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the machines were in operation under a commercial bingo license on December 31, 2007;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the entity does not operate more than the number of electronic machines in operation on February 28, 2008; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the conduct of the gaming and operation of the machines are consistent with all other provisions of this article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An electronic machine allowed under subsection (a) of this section is not required to print a paper ticket for each game of instant bingo played unless the player elects to print the ticket.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission shall adopt regulations to implement this section.</text> </level> </section>